[db-wg] Cleanup of unreferenced person objects

Hi

There has been some useful feedback already on this proposal. Perhaps I
need to clarify some points and suggest some changes to the proposal.

We have always wanted to keep the database as clean as possible. So
whilst half a million extra person objects has no effect on the
operation, we prefer them not to be there if they are serving no useful
purpose.

We have also been looking more closely at Data Protection issues
recently. We have a number of points to discus with the Data Protection
Task Force. But the bottom line is, we have to define the purpose(s) of
the RIPE Database. We are only allowed to keep personal data in the
database if it fits the defined purpose. Although we are only at the
stage of drafting these definitions, it is difficult to see how
unreferenced person objects could fit any definition that we finally
agree on.

As for e-mails, I have discussed the numbers with our IT operations
guys. They are confident we can handle the worst case scenario with our
mail servers. So I suggest we process the deletions with the normal
notification procedure where e-mails are sent to any "notify:" addresses
in the person objects and to the maintainers if maintained. We will use
a modified notification text for this purpose. It will refer to a web
page that explains why these person objects are being deleted.

Regarding the issue of temporary unreferenced person objects. For
example when someone is moving to a new company and de-references their
person object from the old companies data and intends to reference it
with the new companies data. The proposal allows for a (minimum) one
month waiting period before deletion. It could be up to two months,
depending on when it is de-referenced. If there is a feeling that this
needs to be a longer period it can be extended.

I hope this addresses the issues so far raised.

Regards
Denis Walker
Database Group
RIPE NCC